Heavy Metal Weekend 2010

As the daylight broke, gas tanks were filled up, tires were aired down, flags were attached to rear bumpers, and...mustaches and mullets were groomed? Yes indeed, that could only mean one thing: it was time for our annual Heavy Metal Weekend camping trip at Pismo Beach!

This was our third semi-official outing to the Oceano Dunes ORV Area (perhaps more well known simply by its former name, Pismo) on the second weekend of September, and we were again looking forward to our yearly celebration the four S's: Sand, Stomping (as in the accelerator pedal), Slayer, and once we got back to camp for the evening, Suds. Add a nice nighttime bonfire to the mix and the recipe is complete for our favorite type of outing, one that is more focused on fun, togetherness, and shared good times than any kind of competition or strict organization.

Sure enough, the goal was met. Everyone seemed to have a good time, trucks held together (except for Editor Jones' truck), and we drained the batteries each night playing heavy metal music. After long days of running the sand dunes, attendees cooked hot dogs and whatever else while enjoying some suds as the sun set and bonfires were sparked.

This year, we had no less than six OFF-ROAD project vehicles show up, and as always, we were enthused and impressed with all the cool off-road vehicles our readers brought, too. This isn't some exclusive, invite-only affair; we encourage anyone and everyone to come hang out, drive around with us, and partake in the fun. With this in mind, let this be your official notice for next year: ready up your ride, pack a cooler, and set up camp with us on the beach, because we're already looking forward to that second weekend in September, which we will always refer to as the Pismo Heavy Metal Weekend.